Harry Truman is Born
Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri. Rising from a modest upbringing to the highest office in the land, Truman’s presidency is noted for its critical decisions during tumultuous times, including the ending of World War II and the beginning of the Cold […]
The Return of “The Scream”
The Edvard Munch’s iconic painting “The Scream” was recovered on May 7, 1994, after having been stolen from the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway, during the 1994 Winter Olympics. The painting’s theft and subsequent recovery captivated the world, highlighting issues of art security and the enduring value and vulnerability of cultural artifacts. “The Scream,” emblematic […]
The Sinking of the Lusitania
The German submarine U-20 sank the RMS Lusitania on May 7, 1915, a British ocean liner, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,198 lives, including 128 Americans. This event dramatically escalated tensions between Germany and the Allied powers, particularly influencing the United States’ public opinion and hastening its entry into World War I two years […]
A New Chapter Begins for Japanese Immigrants
On this day in 1843, the first Japanese immigrant, a fisherman displaced by a storm, arrived in the United States, marking the beginning of Japanese immigration to America. His arrival predates the more substantial migration flows that would follow decades later, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity in the U.S. This event symbolizes […]
The Final Episode of “Friends”
The beloved television show “Friends” concluded its ten-year run on May 6, 2004, with its final episode airing to an audience of over 52 million American viewers. As one of the most popular television shows of all time, “Friends” left a lasting impact on television comedy, character development, and the portrayal of young adults navigating […]
Paula Jones Files a Lawsuit Against President Bill Clinton
Paula Jones accused President Bill Clinton of sexual harassment on May 6, 1994, allegations stemming from an incident she claimed occurred in 1991 while Clinton was the Governor of Arkansas. This lawsuit opened a highly publicized legal battle that would eventually lead to broader investigations, culminating in the impeachment of President Clinton in 1998. The […]
Roger Bannister Breaks the Four-Minute Barrier
On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister, a British middle-distance runner and medical student, achieved what was once thought to be impossible: running a mile in under four minutes. Completing the mile in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds at a track meet in Oxford, England, Bannister’s feat shattered physical and psychological barriers, redefining the limits of athletic […]
The Sweet Start of Ben & Jerry’s
On May 5, 1978, childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened their first ice cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Their commitment to using high-quality, local ingredients and creating unique flavors quickly won them a devoted following. Ben & Jerry’s would go on to become not just a wildly successful […]
First American Travels to Space
Alan Shepard made history on May 5, 1961, as the first American to travel into space, aboard the spacecraft Freedom 7. His suborbital flight, which came just a few weeks after Yuri Gagarin’s orbital flight, ignited a fierce sense of competition and pride that would fuel the U.S. efforts in the ensuing Space Race. Shepard’s […]
Martha Jones Becomes First Black Woman to Receive U.S. Patent
On this day in 1868, Martha Jones of Amelia County, Virginia, became the first Black woman to receive a U.S. patent. Her invention, a cutting-edge improvement in the corn husker and sheller, showcased not only her ingenuity but also her courage in breaking through the racial and gender barriers of her time. Jones’ achievement is […]